He was a close student of the great masters Nyoshul Lungtok, Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, Jamgön Mipham Rinpoche and Jamgön Kongtrul. His own many disciples included the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso (1876-1933), the Third Dodrupchen, Jikme Tenpe Nyima, and Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö.

It was Jamyang Khyentse who recognised Sogyal Rinpoche as the incarnation of Tertön Sogyal.